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Friday, July 2, 2010

JohannesMehserle is the former BART Police Officer who is currently on trial in LA for the murder of Oscar Grant. Mehserle is accused of firing a bullet into the back of the victim while he was on the ground on New Years day 2009. His defense is that he didn't mean to fire off his weapon.

The shootings sparked riots, and if exonerated of charges there could be even more riots. Many feel that the police officer murdered Grant in cold blood and deserves to be put away.

Others feel that the defense is valid, and sometimes unfortunate things take place.

Instead of having the trials in the jurisdiction where they took place, it is going to take place in LA. It is believed that he will have a better chance at a fair trial there.

The verdict has not yet been rendered, and if the JohannesMehserle verdict is "not guilty" there are expectations of riots similar to the riots that occurred in the wake of the Rodney King beatings.

The Mayor and Police Chief have posted the following statement on Oakland's official Web site:

We are united as a city and a community, and we are dedicated to ensuring the safe expressions of emotions during this difficult time. We understand that the community is grieving, and we are in this together. We will get through this together.

There are many people ready to help begin the healing process and they have opened their doors to allow us to express our grief in a healthy manner that will not endanger our safety, livelihood or reputation as a city.

We are asking for the community to come together, look out for one another and stay safe.

We will not tolerate destruction or violence. We live here, and we love Oakland.

Those around areas where tensions are high are advised to park their cars in secure locations and take precautions to protect themselves and their properties in the event of riots.

Hopefully, it won't come down to that but it's better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Many are holding their breaths, hoping that violence and destruction doesn't occur because then no one wins. The violence and destruction won't change the verdict and it will only make the city and those who support a guilty verdict look bad.